magic jack update

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Scott Hanna

Scott Hanna

Mac Daddy DJ
ODJT Supporter
Oct 25, 2006
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i was going to add this to one the the magic jack threads...but it seems they are in the archives.

any way, just wanted to let everyone know what i did. As Lou said, the only downside was you have to leave a computer on....so:

for my magic jack...i bought a used hp thin client on ebay for $120. After some tweeking and some help, it works flawlessly with my magic jack. now I don't have to have a computer with a fan running 24/7 to have my phone working.

hp thin client is basically a computer meant only for internet. no hard drive attached....only a little flash memory. But with 512m flash, it's enough to run MJ....or if you have a 256m...you can remove some unneeded programs to make room. Saves a lot of electricity compared to having a regular PC running with a fan.

with taking the monitor and keyboard away...it's just a small book sized box that sits under my desk.....and bingo....unlimited great sounding phone calls for $20 a year

hope it helps
 
QUESTIONS:

How well does the voicemail work when the PC is off?

Can you access your voice mail thru another phone, such as a landline or cell phone, or do you have to connect the MJ and access it in that manner?

How is the quality (sound and connection) of your calls and voice mail?

Does the PC have to be in full boot, or will it (MJ) work in standby mode?

Just waiting for them to get #s in my area code, then I think I am on board as well. Looks like call forwarding and other options are coming available.

THANKS.
 
Harryoke said:
QUESTIONS:

How well does the voicemail work when the PC is off?
haven't used it personally...but others have said it works fine

Can you access your voice mail thru another phone, such as a landline or cell phone, or do you have to connect the MJ and access it in that manner?
that is what i've been told...again..no personal VM use

How is the quality (sound and connection) of your calls and voice mail?
almost always...incredible

Does the PC have to be in full boot, or will it (MJ) work in standby mode?
i have heard of other using "away" mode on a windows mulitmedia computer...not sure what "standby" mode actually turns off...but if shuts down most things but leaves a little juice and processing power...then it should

Just waiting for them to get #s in my area code, then I think I am on board as well. Looks like call forwarding and other options are coming available.

THANKS.
Click to expand...

I guess the reason i haven't fooled around with the voice mail yet is that i really don't want ANOTHER voice mail to have to check...i would rather have people call me at the numbers they have....but it's been a gem helping me use less cell phone minutes.
 
Papa Deuce said:
I might be an idiot, but why not:

http://www.skype.com/business/features/
Click to expand...


I looked into skype. I have never used it, so i am certainly no expert. But the reason I decided to try magic jack instead of skype is magic jack is $20 a year vs $36 for skype, which isn't much. But the other reason was that magic jack uses regular phone equipment and skype would require me to buy a special phone. from what i've heard, just using the computer mic and speakers for skype didn't sound good.

Don't get me wrong, i've heard good things about skype and they seem to have a lot of happy users. I'd go to skype if I find that MJ goes loses service on any regular basis. heck for the price, i could have both, just in case.
 
The magic jack concept is SOOO simple as well. Pretty much, if you have the hardware and any modular connectable phone, you are on. Take it with you wherever you go, no software to load, just find an internet connected PC, plug it in the USB port and you are ready. Give it to family members when they travel, loan it out...whatever you want to do. Have a family member or buddy overseas? Mail them one and it is like they have the phone next door...you call them on a local number and vice versa...no charge. The jack is the only special hardware you need to buy, and you can connect ANY phone to it...a 5 dollar Walgreens handset or a upscale multi cradle cordless for the whole house...it does not matter.

This is the tip of the tech iceberg...the days of the $40 residential line from big brother are numbered.
 
harry,
that is indeed the theory...and a wonderful concept. The challenge is it doesn't always work as "plug and play". While it does seem to do that the majority of the time, there are still some conflicts depending on what programs are loaded.
It's improving on that end on a regular basis, but sometimes some tweeking needs to be done to get it working.



news flash!!
in the middle of posting this...i read that skype will offer INTERNATIONAL calling for $9.995 a month. International calls to 34 countries plus domestic calls.
Ain't competition grand?
 
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